Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Smith Machine Wide Shrug.
The Smith machine wide shrug targets the upper trapezius by elevating the shoulders with a wider-than-shoulder-width grip on the Smith machine bar. The fixed bar path helps maintain control and allows focus on the shrugging movement.
The Smith Machine Wide Shrug is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.
